Heart failure renders a fair amount of confusion among the common people as it does not literally mean the “absolute failure” of the heart.  First, let’s explain the basics. The heart is meant to maintain a constant cycle of pumping blood through the heart and to all the parts of our body. Even a minor anomaly in its function may cause the heart to dysfunction which may lead to dire consequences. Heart Failure, Heart Attack and Myocardial Infarction are terms that we may think only apply older members of the family or acquaintances. Today, these conditions are more common among the young when compared to decades past.  

Heart Failure is a term used to describe a decrease in the working capacity of the heart. Sometimes, heart failure follows a heart attack when the severity of the attack itself causes some parts or muscles of the heart to die or stop working. This results to lesser efficiency in the working heart. There are plenty of other reasons for heart failure, including:

• Hereditary weakness of the cardiac muscles.

•  High blood pressure.

•  Coronary heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis.

•  Damaged heart valves.

•  Other gland disorders, such as thyroid gland abnormalities

Symptoms of heart failure are sometimes deceptively simple, such as short breath, fatigue or general bodily weakness. Contrary to the progressive and chronic nature of heart failure, the condition of a heart attack often rings a louder alarm bell in terms of symptoms.

Treating heart failure is an uphill task as the condition is life long and may be hereditary. Thus, the options may be limited. In the case of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia or tachycardia), a pacemaker or ICD may be a treatment option. Donor Heart and Artificial Heart Placement may be a final alternative when all else fails.

Next Visit, Heart Attack Prevention Tips 

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